Ciet Unclaimed

We want to see epidemiology used to make public services work better, reach more who need them, and be more accountable

What methods does CIET use?CIET uses a synthesis of methods that includes household questionnaires, reviews of institutional data, key informant interviews, focus group discussion, geographic information systems (GIS) and low-cost environmental measurement. A panel of representative or “sentinel” communities, usually selected in collaboration with national statistical authorities, provides both the survey sample and an initial point for community participation in the process. A rich mix of quantitative and qualitative data can be analysed for planning at local level, while local data, properly weighted for population distribution, can be aggregated and contrasted for planning and communication at provincial, regional and national levels. After thorough review of existing data on the survey topic, standards-based instruments are designed in consultation with all stakeholders. CIET personnel train local survey teams on site. Data are analysed to determine coverage, cost, and impact of particular services, programmes, and interventions. As part of a process of "socialisation of evidence" preliminary findings are fed back to the surveyed communities and discussed by them in focus groups for their interpretation and proposed solutions. This is followed by discussions of the evidence at regional and national levels. These discussions hinge on how the analysis and interpretation of results can lead to strategies for action. CIET’s methodology calls for cycles of data collection, analysis and socialization for action to be repeated at intervals. Skills transfer to local researchers means they become increasingly capable of conducting the process themselves. Repeated cycles provide the means to assess what actions have been taken and their effects. Repeat cycle also allow a focus on different priority areas in turn. In this way, the methodology provides the basis for sustained, critical dialogue on issues that affect people''''s daily lives.